Upton secure last kick of the game win

Swift sinks 40 yard penalty with last kick of the game

Upton pulled off a last minute win to keep their survival hopes alive versus their home of rugby opponents.
Having narrowly lost to the Warwickshire back in November Upton were confident of going one better this time but things did not look good at half time.
Rugby started the game at a fast pace running the ball at every opportunity and stretching the Upton defence but for the first 20 minutes only had a penalty to show for it and this was soon levelled by Oli Swift who after missing one long range effort sunk a second one soon after. Rugby increased their lead with another penalty before they scored a converted try after Upton failed to clear their lines. With Upton down at half time Upton rang the changes bringing Alex Parker into the back row to supplement Dave Haddock who had earlier replaced Rich Clive.
This added more ball carrying to the set up and Upton used this to put wholes into the Rugby defence. Upton reduced the arrears when first centre George Ainge scored a converted try to make it 10-13.
Upton continued to dominate and eventually took the lead with 15 minutes to go when skipper James Gammond fed Rob Heeley 22 metres out. He threw a flat pass to second row Andrew Ford. The big second row looked to power over but sensible fed winger Joe Ayres who scrambled over in the corner. Swift missed the conversion but Upton had taken the lead 15-13.
Rugby St Andrews started to get their hands on the ball and played physically as they tried to find a way into Upton’s half but valiant defence kept them out. However a penalty kick 5 minutes from time gave them the lead again.
Upton for once didn’t panic and went through the phases and were awarded a penalty but Swift hit the post. However as Rugby attempted to clear their lines they failed to make touch and Upton stormed back. At the first breakdown Rugby were penalised again and Swift had the opportunity from 40 metres to win the game and the ball sailed through the posts to make it 18-16.